Common sits down with HardKnockTV to discuss his upcoming album, Nobody’s Smiling, a concept that developed from Rakim’s line “I’m in the ghetto, nobody’s smiling,” and took on a life of its own (0:50). Common’s biggest inspiration for the project derives from the increasing crime rate in the Chicago area that gave birth to the term “Chi-raq” (2:00). He is using the project as a platform as a “call to action” to stop the violence.

Common dives deeper into his work within the Chicago community along with Kanye West, Rhymefest and Lupe Fiasco and also discusses making music with No I.D., Vince Staples, and Chance The Rapper.

Related: Common’s Speak My Piece Is A Beautiful Illustration Of His Vision On Nobody’s Smiling (Audio)